Since the GOP primaries, the jaybirds and magpies on Press Row have noted how the Texas Senate is undergoing a shift to the right. They note that at least two — and possibly five — Republican replacements should be more conservative than the senators they succeed. Also, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst seems very eager to try to placate tea party foes who thwarted his U.S. Senate ambitions earlier this year.

But the untold and more complicated sequel is this: In the House, there may be a similar shift. Never mind that Democrats will return to Austin in January holding seven more seats, with 55 members, up from 48 last time.